PBKS vs RCB Match 61: Top 3 Player Battles to Watch in IPL 2026
The last time Shreyas Iyer and Rajat Patidar met on a cricket field was in Ahmedabad, with the IPL 2025 trophy on the line in front of a sell-out crowd. A year later, they face off for the first time in the 2026 season, but under vastly different circumstances. One team enters as a favourite to reach the playoffs; the other is clinging to slim hopes, desperate to reverse a dramatic slide in form.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) have their backs against the wall. To keep their season alive, they must win each of their remaining two matches. After a promising start—six wins and a rain-affected no-result—they seemed certain of a playoff spot. But five consecutive losses, compounded by uncharacteristic fielding errors, have left Iyer’s men needing to rediscover their best cricket urgently. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the defending champions, have enjoyed a golden run and need just one more victory to secure their knockout phase slot. The only concern for the RCB camp is the form of Jacob Bethell, but if the English batter regains his touch, the opposition bowlers could be in trouble.
As PBKS and RCB prepare to lock horns, here are the three key player battles that could decide the contest.
1. Josh Hazlewood vs Priyansh Arya
Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has been in top form since joining RCB mid-tournament. At 36 years old, he has consistently delivered with the new ball, and the conditions in Dharamsala—with its pace and bounce—should suit him well. His ability to hit a good length and extract movement will test the PBKS opener from ball one. Priyansh Arya has been one of the most consistent powerplay batters this season. His fearless power-hitting in the first six overs can change the course of a game and put the opposition under tremendous pressure. This battle in the early overs will set the tone for the entire match.
2. Yuzvendra Chahal vs Rajat Patidar
Yuzvendra Chahal, the IPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker, showed his class in PBKS’s last game against Mumbai Indians. He troubled Rohit Sharma before dismissing the former India skipper. RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, meanwhile, has always been a sound player of spin. With the short boundaries in Dharamsala, Patidar will look to use his feet and clear the ropes against the veteran leg-spinner. Their duel in the middle overs will be crucial, as Chahal looks to stem the flow of runs and Patidar aims to accelerate.
3. Arshdeep Singh vs Virat Kohli
Former RCB captain Virat Kohli returned to form in the last game with a magnificent century—his ninth in the IPL. He has a brilliant record against Punjab, having amassed 1159 runs against them overall. Arshdeep Singh, the left-arm swing bowler, will be tasked with providing the early breakthrough for PBKS. With the new ball in hand, Singh is a dangerous proposition, capable of swinging the delivery both ways. In front of a massive Dharamsala crowd eager to see their maestro bat, Arshdeep will be determined to spoil Kohli’s party. This contest promises high drama.
